Aortic aneurysm is a bulge or swelling in a part of the aorta which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The distention causes that particular part to become weak and prone to bursting.

Causes
The exact cause is not known but some possibilities are:

Genetics

High blood pressure

Atherosclerosis

Vasculitis (infection in aorta)

Marfan syndrome

Injury

Tobacco consumption

Symptoms Aortic aneurysms are often asymptomatic but large ones may produce the following symptoms:

Pain in the chest, abdomen or back

Throbbing sensation near the navel

Treatment

Observation: When the aortic aneurysm is small and asymptomatic, it is considered safer to observe and monitor it regularly.

Controlling the blood pressure: Medication may be given to control high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Surgery: when there is a risk of the aneurysm bursting or it is large in size then surgery might be required to replace the affected part with an artificial tube.